Circuit Judge Benjamin Culbertson imposed the state's recommended sentence of five years, suspended to five years' probation. Bronson also was ordered to pay about $66,000 in restitution.

Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Hillary Welborn said in court that Bronson confessed to law enforcement that she took cash payments intended for Restoration Child Development Center from August 2009 to July 2012.

The center's administrative director contacted the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Aug. 16, 2012 after they became aware of the discrepancy, according to an incident report.

Welborn said Bronson told investigators she began taking the money to help family members, but continued taking the money.

Welborn said insurance covered part of the stolen money and said she had contacted the church, which did not want Bronson to serve prison time for the crime.

Attorney Daryl Bush represented Bronson on behalf of her attorney, Albert Smith, and told Judge Culbertson that Bronson had been married 27 years and was the mother of two adult children. Bush said her family would support her as she works to repay the money.

<p>A Greer woman admitted Monday that she stole more than $138,000 from a church-operated daycare from August 2009 to July 2012.</p><p>Patricia Brown Bronson, 51, of 207 Galena Lane, pleaded guilty to breach of trust with fraudulent intent, value $10,000 or more.</p><p>Circuit Judge Benjamin Culbertson imposed the state's recommended sentence of five years, suspended to five years' probation. Bronson also was ordered to pay about $66,000 in restitution.</p><p>Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Hillary Welborn said in court that Bronson confessed to law enforcement that she took cash payments intended for Restoration Child Development Center from August 2009 to July 2012.</p><p>The center's administrative director contacted the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Aug. 16, 2012 after they became aware of the discrepancy, according to an incident report.</p><p>Welborn said Bronson told investigators she began taking the money to help family members, but continued taking the money.</p><p>Welborn said insurance covered part of the stolen money and said she had contacted the church, which did not want Bronson to serve prison time for the crime.</p><p>Attorney Daryl Bush represented Bronson on behalf of her attorney, Albert Smith, and told Judge Culbertson that Bronson had been married 27 years and was the mother of two adult children. Bush said her family would support her as she works to repay the money.</p><p>“This is something that's an anomaly,” Bush said of Bronson's crime.</p><p>Bronson apologized in court for her action.</p><p>“I'm sorry for what I've done,” she told the judge.</p>